Italy coach Nick Mallett has made three changes to his side to face Wales in Saturday's Six Nations clash at the Stadio Flaminio.

Luciano Orquera drops to the bench following a poor defensive display against England, with Benetton Treviso's Kristopher Burton taking his place at fly-half. Treviso's Robert Barbieri joins captain Sergio Parisse and Alessandro Zanni in the back-row, taking over from Valerio Bernabo.

Benetton Treviso scrum-half Fabio Semenzato will make his first start in front of the home crowd after making his Azzurri debut against England earlier this month, while on the bench there is a recall for hooker Carlo Festuccia in place of the injured Fabio Ongaro.

James Hook returns to the Wales midfield as the result of an injury to Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies. In the only change from their victory over Scotland two weeks ago Hook shifts to outside-centre, the position he filled during last year's Championship, to win his 50th cap, with Stephen Jones recalled at fly-half.

Davies picked up a hamstring problem at Murrayfield and with Tom Shanklin, Andrew Bishop and Gavin Henson all sidelined with injuries, Hook's pursuit of the No.10 jersey has again been derailed by his admirable versatility.

There is a boost to Wales on the bench, where Cardiff Blues winger Leigh Halfpenny makes his comeback from injury, taking Jones' place among the replacements.